Messages

196

Employment / Re: Local and not so local job resource websites

« on: Jul 25, 2010, 01:20 am »

In Oz: http://www.artshub.com.au/au/

For circus (UK): http://www.circusarts.org.uk/i-want-to/get-work-in-circus/job-opportunities.php

For Dance (USA): http://www.danceusa.org/jobsinthearts

For Dance (Europe): http://www.danceeurope.net/site/jobs.shtml

For Film and TV (USA): http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobsboard.php
and http://jobbank.emmyonline.org/ListAllJobs.aspx
and http://www.entertainmentcareers.net/week/

For Universal Studios (Singapore): http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Careers

For Jobs Abroad: http://www.jobsabroad.com/search/theater-drama-dance

A good list of various job sites: http://www.artslynx.org/theatre/jobs.htm

Company specific: http://www.blueman.com/careers
and http://jobs.dragone.be/?lang=en

197

The Green Room / Re: What did you learn today?

« on: Jul 25, 2010, 01:12 am »

Today I learned that once you crochet something out of furry yarn it is very very hard to unravel again.  (The woes of an obsessive crafter.)

198

Employment / Re: CAREER GROWTH: Taking control of your career

« on: Jul 07, 2010, 04:34 am »

A couple of years ago, I took my "dream job" as well.  I packed up my life and moved abroad to work for a job that was a "big step."  When I first took the job, I had thoughts along the lines of, "I have no idea what my next step would be."  I was of course very happy and satisfied both job and career-wise, but couldn't see what path I would follow after the job came to a close.

Now, two years later, I still don't have those answers, but I do have a lot more experience.  Whenever I move on to my next job, I am sure that it will be a step forward.  I have realized that career steps don't always mean a bigger show or bigger salary or bigger name company.  Though all of those have been my priorities in the past, when I start looking for another job I think I might concentrate more or location/lifestyle and working with people that I like.
 

199

The Green Room / Re: Are there any AEA SM moms?

« on: Jul 07, 2010, 04:11 am »

I personally do not have any children and have met only a few female SMs with children.  However, I do work with one now.  She has two teenage children and worked as an SM, TD or PM throughout their lives.  She even took them on tour with her.

I asked her how she did all this and she simply said that she did what she needed to do.  Of course it was hard, but parenting is always hard.  She managed to balance being a mom and choosing priorities at work.

If you have kids, your priorities will shift no matter what kind of job you have. 

200

Stage Management: Other / Re: Risk Assessment

« on: Jun 15, 2010, 09:38 pm »

For my show (circus) we have actually hired two risk assessment analysts.  One for the show as a whole and one to focus specifically on our motorcycle jumping act.  They analyze not only the onstage aspects but training as well.

It is very important when risks are high to do your best to identify and minimize the danger to the performers, crew and audience.  Not just for the obvious reason of minimizing injury, but also to CYA and prove that you did everything you could do to minimize injury.  In a show of this nature, people will get hurt and the company needs to be able to prove that they did as much as possible to prevent the injury, but that it occurred under a condition of acceptable risk.

201

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: How Many times have you stage managed?

« on: Jun 05, 2010, 08:33 am »

Another oldie chiming in here.  I have worked as a stage manager on over 140 productions (including about 30 event/ fashion shows) professionally.  If you add in educational and internships, my number is probably around 180.

Given all of that I have spent the last 18 months working on only one show and it's not even open yet!

202

Stage Management: Other / Re: Ways to keep track of Flying Movements?

« on: Apr 14, 2010, 11:26 am »

I would keep track in three different ways.

First for the operators, with heights, speeds, cues, etc.  I would keep this as simple and factual as possible.  Excel is a good way.  Perhaps when you print it out, leave space for them to make their own notes.

For artistic purposes, I recommend video.  Unlike AEA, dance unions allow you to video rehearsals and performances.  You can then use the video to create diagrams of the flights.  If it is too complicated to track all five at once, create a separate diagram/ list for each track.  If you use diagrams, I recommend creating a page with about 6 boxes to draw in, only draw as much as makes sense in each box, then move to the next one. 

For your cue calling, highlight only what you need to call and keep track of the safety of your performers.

No need to cram all the information into one document.

Does your choreographer or rehearsal director also take notes?  Take a peek at what they are doing.  It might be helpful.

203

The Green Room / Re: Favorite Easter Candy

« on: Mar 28, 2010, 12:31 am »

Here are a couple of fun links to see your favorite Easter Candy in action.

http://twincities.upickem.net/engine/Votes.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=14457#SubmissionDisplay

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/04/10/GA2009041001969.html

My friend made one that we all can appreciate: MacPeep
http://saratoday.wordpress.com/2010/03/12/shameless-self-promotion-and-peeps/

204

The Green Room / Re: Favorite Easter Candy

« on: Mar 27, 2010, 07:38 am »

Cadbury Creme Eggs, of course.  Though the Reese's eggs are great too.

205

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: New Stage Manager- New Show- International Tour

« on: Mar 14, 2010, 05:34 pm »

Are you performing as part of a festival?  If so, you should contact the production manager.  Find out how much set up/ tear down time you will have, how much time to create lighting looks and set sounds cues.  You should get as much information about the venue and schedule as possible.

From there you can help your director figure out how to adapt your show to a touring version.  What props do you really need to bring. 

You should also figure out assigned duties.  Who will clean/prep the costumes?  Who will check you into the hotel?  It is best to work as much of this out in advance as possible.

Make sure you bring a first aid kit (check the local laws for over the counter drug distribution - some countries don't allow you to do this)

Bring any tools you need that you won't have access to there.  Bring flashlights, hand wipes and safety pins.

Learn how to say please and thank you in the local language.

206

Tools of the Trade / Re: An iphone app specifically for SMs!

« on: Jan 31, 2010, 12:54 pm »

I went to the iTunes store to look at it.  I totally see the points made by ABennett.  If it had syncing ability and you could make your own your categories it might work.  We keep track of a lot more that spike marks and props!

207

The Green Room / Re: "I can't do that on stage."

« on: Sep 15, 2009, 04:43 am »

Years ago I did a show where an actress had to make a pot of coffee.  Not too hard, right?

The first day with water and electricity, I walked her through the props.  I showed her the Brita filter filled with water in the fridge (because we didn't have running water in the sink), I showed her the coffee filters, the coffee, the spoons, the mugs and the coffee pot.

During the run through, she prepped the coffee filter and the coffee grounds and poured the water from the Brita into the coffee carafe.  Just like normal.  Then she put the carafe on the burner and turned on the coffee maker.

And nothing happened.  No coffee.  Surprise?

After the rehearsal, I went to her and asked, "Do you need me to show you how to use the coffee maker?"  She responded, "Do I need to pour the water in the TOP of the coffee machine?"  I replied, "Yes."  And then she said, "That's just like the one I have at home."

Sigh.

208

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Re: How To Get To Broadway?

« on: Aug 25, 2009, 06:47 pm »

This topic comes up a lot.  The leap to Broadway is a difficult one to make.  I believe it really takes connections.

Here are some threads to check out.
http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,3827.0.html
http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,1327.0.html

Good luck with your job search.

209

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: What I did over my summer vacation...

« on: Aug 09, 2009, 03:46 am »

On my summer break, I have been traveling around Europe visiting friends and seeing sites.

So far, I have gone to:
Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Barcelona, Madrid, done a road trip/ beach tour of Southern Portugal and Spain, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Zurich, Bern, Luzanne, Interlochen, Warsaw, Krakow, Amsterdam (again), Paris (again)

Still on the itinerary:
Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Cyprus, Rome, Sicily, Athens, Crete, Ephesus, Milan, Mulhouse

It has been busy and crazy so far. Would you believe my recent trip to Amsterdam was to rest and relax and do laundry?

210

Employment / Re: Curriculum Vitae- CV

« on: Aug 03, 2009, 03:34 pm »

Check out this thread that I started when I was making a CV.  There are good pointers.

http://smnetwork.org/forum/index.php/topic,4145.0.html